BALLAD OF CALAMITY REEK

The author of the unusual Promises in the Attic (1960) and several other teen age stories, usually uses a period setting, and this one shows exhaustive research into mountain culture in . lived in Indianapolis, in the basic peace of strong family ties and simple pleasures. Her father, however, refuses to allow her to return for a second year at college, and through Methodist missionary efforts she secures a teaching job in the mountain. At School in Calamity reek, Ann learns more than she teaches. She learns hardship and the importance of food, and that kindness and love and work cme before and . Through Ann's family, she ships out and sells in othern cities lovely mountain handicraft...the beginning of a vital source of income for the mountain people. She and her former college English teacher collect and edit the ""song "" which may well have been preserved in isolated communities from their English , many times since. When they are published by Ann's father, more money flows in to the school. This joint venture leads to romance and the decision to remain in the mountain, where they can help "" ignorance"". The story lacks excitement and the characterization lack depth, but it is well-written, carefully flavoured, rich in general detail. (One wonders were there no Negro children in the Kentucky mountain back in 1905?)